Under the radar

Shane Gilchrist highlights a recent album release by musicians once in the headlines:

Human Instinct, with its seventh album, Midnight Sun.

The history of Human Instinct can be traced back to the late 1950s as The Four Fours.

As one of New Zealand's premier groups, Human Instinct has contributed a large portfolio of recorded works, from the mid-'60s beat anthem Go Go and the pulsating psychedelic rhythms of A Day In My Minds Mind through to a series of rock albums during the 1970s, including Burning Up Years, Stoned Guitar and Peg Leg.

Released in October, Midnight Sun features new and re-recorded versions of old favourites, with Maurice Greer on drums and vocals, Neil Edwards on bass and Joel Haines on guitars and includes guest musicians Eddie Rayner, Billy T.K and others.

With shades of Pink Floyd and hints of Jimi Hendrix, Midnight Sun fuses elements of psychedelic rock with the grit of blues.

Formed by Supergroove members Tim Stewart and Ben Sciascia and drummer Jamie Woolright, son of Hello Sailor's bass player Paul Woolright, Svelte bring to its debut release a certain pedigree, yet it hasn't rested on reputations, having played regularly over the past six years, including gigs with the Exponents, the Bads and Dunedin's Die!Die!Die!

Utilising the production skills of Dr Karl Steven - also a former Supergoove member - the trio works its way through a strong set of R&B-influenced tunes, from opener Grind Your Way and Waking Hours to the more atmospheric Kings Cross and Roll On.

Think bluesman Darren Watson meets Don McGlashan and you get the drift.